Friday, January 31, 2014

Every once in a blue moon, my mom will let me take her tennis bracelet out for a spin. When I wear it, I constantly look down and admire the sparkly beauty (well that, and to make sure it's safely secured on my arm!).

I realllllllly want one of my own... I can't remember a time when I didn't want one. I mean, how can you not want a bracelet basically made up of just diamonds?! Well...let me tell you, I'm pretty darn good at saving, but a tennis bracelet is definitely not in my budget at the moment. I also think it's a somewhat romantic gift that would make for a special present from a guy... so in short, I'm not getting a tennis bracelet of my own anytime soon, ha!

I was introduced to Eve's Addiction which is a pretty neat site with a large variety of costume jewels. They have a piece that is similar to the look of a tennis bracelet and when they said I could pick a piece, I chose the above bracelet. It fits in well with my arm parties and seems to work for most occasions. I think it's a great alternative to the ever-popular pave link bracelet as it is different but gives a similar amount of sparkle to your wrist. Plus it's a little more toned down and classic than the pave link bracelet which is a plus in my book.

So what do you think? Do you have a tennis bracelet?! For now this pretty little bracelet will do, but you better believe, I'm dreaming big (Dad, are you reading?!)! Have a fabulous day!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

I'm feeling the Talbots amour!!! I'm all set for Valentine's Day with this fun Talbots sweater. C'est parfait! I love navy + white stripes and Francais (I took it in middle & high school and college!) so this is right up my alley! I plan on wearing this well through the spring! It will look great with white denim come warmer weather. I am loving the navy color palette that Talbots has gone with for their latest arrivals! J'espere que vous avez un jour fableux!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

This is one of my new favorite candles. I am such a candle junkie and love to burn them when I am blogging. I feel that it just makes the atmosphere more calm and relaxing. While I love to splurge on my favorite Diptyque candle from time to time (Figuier and Feu de bois are my favorites), I also love to try less pricey options, too.

This blue agave and bamboo Target scent is a new favorite. It's light and fresh and bonus points for the pretty packaging. At $10, I don't feel bad about lighting it all the time! Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

I hate to use the word obsessed when talking about a person because it's a little bit creepy.. but, nonetheless, I'm obsessed with Carolina Herrera... the person and the label. Her style is impeccable: sophisticated, timeless, elegant and never sloppy or overly trendy. She does a lot with black and white and is often spotted wearing her signature look: an a-line skirt and white shirt with sleeves rolled up.

It's a neutral look that can be worn to almost any event. It works for parties, work, dates, girls night and everything in between. What do you think of this simple look? Have a fabulous day!

Monday, January 27, 2014

This is so cool. I'm not going to lie, when I came across this company, I spent over an hour on the website looking at all of the stunning photographs. That's when I knew I had to share.

'New York On Airis a custom assignment and image licensing agency specializing in aerial visuals. We provide Aerial Photography and Cinematography, commercial production support as well as licensing our stock collection for advertising and communication purposes.'

I mean seriously. I want to be one of their clients and go for a ride. Look at their photo magazine! Plus, their Instagram account posts really amazing videos (and a bonus? Lots of them are set to Sinatra songs!!!)... I watched every single one. My favorite videos are: 1, 2, 3. They are a must follow. These photos are not only incredible but I also feel like the photography captures the life of a large city like Manhattan. It almost made me emotional... ok so maybe I'm being a bit dramatic...But the photographers/cinematographers are incredibly talented.

Watch the video to familiarize yourself with this company... once you do, block an hour out of your life because you'll get sucked in. Don't say I didn't warn you! Have a fabulous day!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

We're still in the thick of winter, fortunately or unfortunately depending on the way you look at it, ha! Right now is the time when I like to stock up on winter staples. This is because they are usually on sale but I still have a little while to enjoy them before they need to be put away until next year.

This cashmere headband is super simple and for $22, it is a steal. I like that it is neutral because it will go with most of my outerwear. And in Pittsburgh, a headband is sometimes not even an option but a necessity! These cashmere gloves are just $30, too!

I also found a pretty pair of sunnies. I have a great tortoise pair by Lilly Pulitzer but I am looking for a tortoise pair with a dark lenses to hide tired eyes and these seem to fit the bill!

Saturday, January 25, 2014

As I find myself stumbling onto their website more and more, I've noticed their gorgeous shoes. I have a few pair of Coach shoes that I've found at Marshalls/TJ Maxx but Coach is having a killer shoe sale. The prices for the quality are amazing. Scroll through the above widget to see my favorites!

If you're looking for great shoes on sale, be sure to check out Piperlime, too, because their sale is ridiculous! They are offering extra 40% off sale and extra 60% off final sale with code EXTRAOFF. Yeah, it's real good. Have a fabulous day!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Just a few of my favorites from around the net this week. I've been trying hard not to shop but it's sooo hard to resist sometimes! I have the above glasses and am thinking about getting another pair- I've gotten used to this pair and wear them quite often. Do you have a favorite brand/style of glasses?

I've also been looking for a beautiful leather tote as my 'commuter' bag to put things like my lunch/water bottle in during the week. I love the color and shape of the above Bendel''s bag. I am open to suggestions! Have a fabulous day!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

The freezing cold temperatures and snowy conditions having me day dreaming of tropical locales. I'm not usually one for one-piece swimsuits, but if I were, I'd sport this pretty printed blue number. Of course it'd pair well with a nice tan and a cold drink, preferably something with rum in it... oh I know! A pina colada. Yeah, I'll have one of those, please. Have a fabulous day!

This outfit is as basic as they come. It is good for any age and most occasions, not to mention that it's season-less (my sweater is wool but sub it for cashmere for a season-less piece)... it's an offshoot of this outfit but with just a few tiny tweaks.

I get a lot of questions on what is important to have in your closet and what to wear to specific events, but as a woman, you should have a grey cardigan, crisp white shirt, black fitted pants and ballet flats. They are simple basics that can be mixed and matched for a variety of looks or all worn together. Nine times out of ten, when I give suggestions to someone on what to wear to ____ event, if it is not a cocktail party/formal event, I include one of these basic pieces.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Lately, I have been looking for storage options because truthfully, I have too much stuff. I came across these beautiful Kate Spade boxes and instantly fell in love. I love that these aren't an eyesore and can be stored out in the open while still looking clean and pretty. The only issue is that they don't come in the color scheme of my room (navy + white). Ohhh Kate, please come out with other color options!! What are your favorite storage and organization tips and tricks? Have a fabulous day!

I am so not into cooking but I have been trying to learn because I really love to eat. I enjoy like every food imaginable except for goat cheese and mushrooms (ick). Of course, there are things that I like more than others (ahem sushi, lox, lo mein and filet, so random, I know) but I love all types of food. I also try to eat healthily on a regular basis and have been working to avoid carbs like breads and pastas. I don't actually have much of a weakness for breads/pastas so it's really not too much of a restriction for me. I've been doing this for about five months and I have not only lost a few pounds but truly feel better!

My friend Dana and I have been cooking dinners together on a regular basis. Dana loves to cook and is a great teacher, too. She taught me how to make this hummus recipe which is super easy (seriously, if I can make it, anyone can) but it is also healthy!

Obviously, you have to be cute when you're cooking... see my favorite apron picks above! What's your favorite healthy snack? Do you love to cook? I'm truly trying to love it! Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

I love lists. I know for those that have been reading Summer Wind for while know that this is not earth shattering news. There is something so calming about creating a list and then something so wonderful about crossing things off and watching your list grow/shrink. When I have a list, I feel like my life is in order.

I also love how personal a list can be. It's like peeking into someone's life. I have sorted out a great system for lists. I organize my lists by categories. I do my lists weekly unless I am majorly loaded up with work/errands/etc (this is just for my personal lists, not my at-work lists!). For example, when I travel or at work, I usually have 23408230498 lists (ok, so I might be exaggerating slightly).

This is the template I have come up with for myself. I don't make my lists on the computer but on this fun notepad that Susa Belle Boutique sent me. I like that it is flat, un-ruled (is that even a word), and large for lots of writing space. My categories are:

Blog

I usually post my M-F editorial calendar on here to keep me up to speed. Also, if there are any important e-mails I need to make sure to respond to, I write them down here as well as any companies I am currently highlighting for that week.

To Do

This is random stuff. For example, I always have things like 'paint nails', 'schedule a hair appointment', 'send bff bday card', etc. If I have something written down like 'call ___ company', I will actually write the number next to it. That way, I can quickly make the call without having to look anything up. Same for 'send bff bday card'... it would have the address right next to it.

Chores

This is the real fun stuff like laundry, changing my sheets (I literally do this like 4 times a week, it's weird, I know), make lunch for the next day, etc. If I know that I want to wear a certain piece of clothing that needs to be ironed, this will even make the list.

Errands

This is stuff like dry cleaning, tailor, groceries (that list is on my phone), etc. Usually I like to see this laid out because I know that the dry cleaner is closer to downtown, so if I am closer to downtown on a certain day, I will go to the dry cleaner rather than having to make a special trip. It's also good because for the tailor or if I am returning something, etc. I have to make sure I have that stuff with me/in my car.

Ideas/Thoughts

Blog ideas, work ideas, a reminder that I haven't spoken to a friend in a while and to catch up, books I want to read, songs to download, etc.

Wanted

This list grows often and shrinks much less often. This is where I write down trivial things that I want. Although, sometimes it's things I need. For example, I 'need' a 24" x 24" frame for a project for my bedroom so I have been on the lookout for this. But also I really want a great pair of nude pumps. If the item has made the past 3-4 lists and I can afford whatever item it is, then and only then will I purchase it. If the item leaves the list at any point, then I don't purchase because I know it's not something I really want. It's a good way to keep me accountable on things I'm 'dying for' and things that are fleeting. It's also good to see when my list gets too long and I want too much. I then reevaluate what I already have, either get rid of a bunch or try to gain some perspective and be thankful for what I already have.

iPhone

I also keep a billion lists in my iPhone: Songs I want to download, Sephora List, Blog Ideas, work ideas, dates, quotes, etc.

These are just my categories, but like I said, lists are very personal so how you set up your list is totally your call!

Shop some of my favorite notepads above! How do you make your lists? Have a fabulous day!

I'm rocking the Gap distressed denim always skinnies once again. This time I paired them with a simple Ralph Lauren button down (hint: this one is from the boy's section, an XL fits over-sized like a men's small but for the fraction of the men's price!). I also wore my favorite pumps-- it dressed it up a bit! I will rock this outfit with Jack Purcell's come spring for a more laid back look, too. Have a fabulous day!